powdery

adjective

pow·​dery ˈpau̇-də-rē 

1

a

: resembling or consisting of powder

powdery snow

b

: easily reduced to powder : crumbling

2

: covered with or as if with powder

Synonyms of powdery

• dusty
• fine

Examples of powdery in a Sentence

the beach's powdery white sand

We skied down the powdery slopes.

Recent Examples on the Web

That was that white, powdery substance created by our B2 bombers, those great B2 bombers, late one evening 7 months ago. —Zak Hudak, CBS News, 18 June 2026

Flour, usually passive and powdery, becomes dynamic. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Not only will it be set against the backdrop of powdery white sand and turquoise waves, but there is also a ballroom, as well as beachfront and outdoor venues. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026

Dolshun recommends diatomaceous earth, a natural alternative to harsher insecticides that comes as a powdery substance that can be easily sprinkled in problem areas. —Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing powdery

• powdery mildew

Kids Definition

powdery

adjective

pow·​dery ˈpau̇d-ə-rē 

1

a

: resembling or consisting of powder

b

: easily made into a powder : crumbly

2

: covered with or as if with powder : dusty